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Doctor of Optometry
Doctors of Optometry (Optometrists) examine patients for poor vision, eye disease, and other ocular disorders. They test for depth and color perception and the ability of the eyes to focus and work together. They measure peripheral (side) vision, appraise the health of eyes, and decide on treatment that will improve sight.
| Some of the responsibilities might include: |
| • | Testing and evaluating a patient's eyes for prescriptions of glasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, or low vision aids; -working with lenses, prisms and other devices to preserve, improve and correct vision |
| • | Using sophisticated equipment, and diagnostic drugs to test for vision conditions, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism |
| • | Detecting early signs of diseases, such as glaucoma, retinopathy; and general health problems for example, diabetes and high blood pressure |
| • | Serving as consultants to public agencies that set vision standards for drivers, police officers, and firefighters. Some serve as advisors on eye safety in factories |
Optometrists work in offices or clinics. They have a reception room, an examination room with modern equipment, and a private office. They may own their own practice, have a partnership with one or more other optometrists, or work in a
hospital or public health establishment. They may have optometric technicians or assistants to help serve patients.
Job Outlook
The employment rate for optometrists will be much higher than the average rate for other workers. The population increase and a growing percentage of older people and office workers who are most apt to need vision care will create a demand for these professionals. People today are much more aware of the importance of good vision.
Educational Requirements
Optometrists must have a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree, which requires seven or eight years of education after high school. All accredited schools of optometry require applicants to have at least three (some require four) years of preoptometric study in an accredited college. Many students in an optometry program have had four or more years of college and have one or more degrees already. The degree program for optometry takes four more years. Students spend apart of the fourth year in a clinical practice, a private practice, a health maintenance organization, or veteran's hospital. All applicants must take the Optometry Admission Test.
Required courses for entry in a school of optometry include English, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. Admission requirements vary with colleges of optometry. Some schools require applicants to have completed courses such as psychology, calculus and advanced biological sciences.
Educational Programs
Additional Resources
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